Georgia is home to a world champion elementary school archery team after this month’s National Archery in the Schools Program World Tournament. Woodlawn Elementary is the first Georgia school to compete on the World Competition level, which saw more than 950 student archers from 21 states compete in the elementary, middle and high school divisions.

“The students were awesome and really showed what hard work and determination can do,” said Coach Brad Bates, teacher and NASP coordinator for Woodlawn Elementary. “These kids haven't stopped practicing since try-outs for the state tournament a year ago. Each one on the team has a story and they pulled together in Florida to win a World Championship.”

Georgia School ranking:

Woodlawn Elementary School in Chatsworth finished first in the competition in the elementary division with a team score of 3,240. Woodlawn won the Georgia-NASP elementary school title during the state tournament in February 2010 and took third place at the NASP National Tournament in May 2010. Additionally, they were the highest scoring team at the State Tournament.

Georgia Student ranking:

Individually, Woodlawn Elementary’s Morgan Ray placed 1st in this competition by shooting a 291 in the elementary division. This score put her only one point behind the HIGH SCHOOL 1st place winner.

MORE ABOUT NASP

NASP is an in-school archery curriculum that meets all education department standards. Only schools that are certified in NASP through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are qualified to compete. Schools in nearly 80 counties in Georgia are NASP certified.

The program promotes instruction in international-style target archery to improve educational performance and participation in shooting sports. Research has shown that the program, administered through a minimum two-week course during the school year, improves class attendance and behavior. NASP universal fit bows make it possible for students of all sizes and genders to succeed in archery while raising self-esteem levels and improving hand-eye coordination during physical activity.

NASP is taught in 46 states as well as Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. To date, more than 6 million students have gone through the program.

For more information on NASP in Georgia, recreational shooting sports opportunities or to find a range near you, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, or call (770) 918-6416.